As expected, Quantum of Solace yet again ruled the international box office this weekend.

Variety reports that James Bond took in $40.6 million at 10,400 playdates in 72 markets.

Quantum of Solace

To date, Quantum of Solace has grossed $309 million internationally (not including the US take), putting it into the sixth highest spot for 2008 and 56th on the all-time list. Daniel Craig’s first 007 film, Casino Royale managed $426 million overall in 2006/07–a number Quantum of Solace is eventually expected to surpass.

The biggest Bond opening this weekend went to Austrailia, where Quantum of Solace opened with $7.9 million–44% higher than Casino Royale‘s debut. The film’s $5.1 million debut in Spain also beat Royale by 36%.

In its fourth UK frame, Quantum remained strong with $4.4 million, down 44%, for a cumulative take of $71.4 million.

In Germany, Bond fell 47% to $4.3 million for a $32.3 million total and in France, fell 45% to $1.7 million for a $28.8 million total. The film dropped 63% to $1.3 million in China, while South Korea declined 47% to $1.1 million and Switzerland fell 49% to $1 million. With a cumulative total of $8.1 million in Switzerland, Quantum of Solace became the highest-grossing film this year in that market.

With James Bond playing throughout theatres around the world, there are only a few countries where Quantum has yet to open. This upcoming weekend will see the film debut in New Zealand. December openings in Venezuela and Uruguay and a Japanese debu in January will bring things to a close.

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Quantum of Solace is the 22nd James Bond 007 film produced by franchise holders Eon Productions. Daniel Craig returns from 2006’s Casino Royale to play James Bond. Quantum of Solace is directed by Marc Forster and scripted by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Paul Haggis (with an additional polish by Joshua Zetumer). Locations include Panama, Chile, Italy, Austria and the UK. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production began shooting on 2 January and was released on 31 October 2008 in the UK and 14 November in the United States. The world premiere took place on 29 October in London.